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Boxing - Smith and Dodson ready for Saturday night war

Scouse warhorses Paul Smith (32-3) and Tony Dodson (29-7-1) went head-to-head in Manchester today at the pre-fight press conference ahead of their British super middleweight title clash at the USN Bolton Arena on Saturday.

The fight provides chief support to Gavin Rees vs. Anthony Crolla in Betfair’s ‘Rock & Croll’. Smith is confident he’ll beat Dodson for the second time, and is itching to get in the ring:

“I cannot wait to get back in there and show what I can do, to perform and to be showcased on Sky Sports again, having people sitting up and actually being able to watch the fight."
“I'm hungry to get my belt back. That's the plan and that's what I am going to do and I am going to put in a very good performance on Saturday night.
“I know what I've got. We can talk about the last fight but this is three years later, I think we've both changed since then and I think we'll see a different fight on Saturday, a more open and better fight.”
Smith defended the British title against Dodson back in March 2010, sustaining some nasty cuts early in the bout to hold Dodson at bay. The challenger that night has moved up to light heavyweight and now back down for a fourth attempt to land the belt, and the 32 year old admits it’s all or nothing on Saturday.
“My whole career is on the line,” said Dodson.

“It's a massive fight, the most important of my career. I know what's at stake and it's given me more incentive to want to get the win because, obviously, he got the win over me last time.
“The pair of us prepare perfectly. I've got no excuses, I'm a totally different fighter from what I was last time. I've got no weight issues, I'll get on the scales now and will probably be under the championship weight already.”

Unbeaten super bantamweight Scott Quigg returns to action against Brazilian William Prado, Blackpool’s light middleweight Brian Rose clashes with Alexey Ribchev, Erick Ochieng warms up for his British light middleweight title clash in the autumn against Liam Smith with a six-rounder, and Team GB captain Thomas Stalker is looking to move to 5-0. Prizefighter Welterweights finalist Dale Evans and Cruiserweight winner Wadi Camacho are also both in action.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £70 ringside and £120 VIP. Tickets are available at www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.